Feedback

Ian helped a group of 12 of us with varying levels of fitness negotiate the Yorkshire three peaks in a decent time. From the prep emails to the pint at the end Ian kept the whole group in check and ensured we all got round without an issue. Cracking day out, well organised and a friendly fella made it all…

Paul Chapman July 2015

I would thoroughly recommend ‘Come walk with me’ guided walks. . Not only is Ian a skilled and qualified guide with an intimate knowledge of the Dark Peak terrain, but he also has an excellent knowledge of the wildlife on the moors – all adding to the richness of the experience. Ian showed me my first mountain hare (wonderful), and pointed out various plants and birds on the moorland. The highlight of the walk was the superfortress crash site – I’m not sure if I would have found it on my own! He’s a lovely genuine guy, easy to talk to – and is always aware of his client’s pace, ability and needs on walks. You can go out onto the hills with him and be confident under his leadership.

Helen Moat March 2015

I have been on several walks over the past few years with Ian or Howellsy as he is mostly known and have always returned with sense of satisfaction, even when the elements have been against us. Be it trampling the Dark Peak in the sleet and snow to ascending Tryfan in the wind or tackling Sharp Edge on a drizzly day to a gentle stroll along the Nantle Ridge, he has always shown not only his ability to guide and navigate but an ability to lift the spirits. A shared interest in many things outdoor, mostly rugby and cricket as well as Howellsy’s knowledge of flora and fauna turn a walk into more than just a form of exercise. One of the best trips I have done with Howellsey was an overnight wild camp at Black Sail Pass during a round of The Lakes’ highest Peaks. I can definitely recommend that as a guided tour as well as Howellsy’s trademark chorizo and scrambled eggs breakfast! There is no doubt I will be heading out again with Come Walk with Me in the future and wish I could do so more often

Alec Scott- Numerous walks over the last three years

Ian took me and a small group to Catbells and Maiden Moor. He was extremely organised and professional and had planned a suitable walk for us all to complete. The walk along the ridge had stunning views. I have planned my own walks in the past, mostly in the peaks, and I was looking for something more challenging but still enjoyable. Ian scouted a steep route down which involved some loose rock and is something I would have avoided without appropriate guideance and supervision. He managed to motivate all of us at the end of a long day and ensured we were safe on our descent by suggesting we went down one by one in stages (sounds obvious but not something I would have considered on my own!) He was very safety conscious which made me feel confident and we all thoroughly enjoyed the descent and I will look forward to doing something similar again. Excellent, professional guide and motivator.

Iona McAllister, April 2014, Catbells and Maiden Moor ridge walk

Ian and I met at the YHA at Borrowdale for a good old stroll onto the beautiful fells above the Borrowdale, Buttermere &Ennerdale valleys. We parked up at the hostel and made our way up the valley towards Honister Pass and then onto Grey Knotts and past Brandreth and then on towards a route zig zagging onto Green Gable.

We stopped many times along the way to take in the epic views and take some stunning photos of beautiful Buttermere valley and across the landscape towards the majestic Pillar and Ennerdale. The weather was treating us really well and you could pick out the beautiful reflections and multiple colours on Crummock water and Buttermere lake below.

Eventually we stopped off at the midway point to Green Gable for a bite to eat and to take in the beauty of the Lake District in all its glory.

We eventually made our way to Green Gable’s cairn and its many crags hidden amongst the mist and cloud that had partially blocked our views.

Some other hikers had attempted to walk up the path towards Great Gable. However after witnessing a few slips by those taking their chances up the scrambly, ice and snow assault Ian decided that it would be a safer option for us to take a shortened and more sensible route down Aaron Slack towards Styhead Tarn. I was well up for this decision as I didn’t feel confident about the Gable scramble and it put my mind at ease. That to me is the mark of a great guide, someone who is always putting their companions feelings first and taking a considered option.

As we made our way down the scree scramble of Aaron Slack saying our farewell’s to Green Gable and the back of Great Gable the sun began to break its way through the misty murky weather that had engulfed the Gable’s peaks.Having reached the valley below we took in Styhead Tarn’s beautiful glimmering water and took the path back down the valley passing by Taylor Gill Force and towards Borrowdale.

Rob Mortimore Nov 2013- Green Gable from Borrowdale

——————————————————————————————————————————